What Is Boredom?
Boredom is a common feeling. Feeling
unsatisfied by or uninterested in an activity causes it. Research suggests that
boredom sometimes occurs when a person is feeling energetic but has nowhere to
direct that energy (Markman, A., 2012). Boredom also occurs when a person has
difficulty focusing on a task.
is a common complaint among children. In some cases, children may complain of
boredom when they are uncomfortable dealing with their thoughts or feelings (LDCEC, 2009).
What Causes Boredom?
Individual children identify and experience boredom
differently. For some children, boredom may occur due to:
- inadequate rest, nutrition, or safety
- lack of choice or control over their daily activities
- low levels of mental stimulation
- lack of coping skills necessary to keep themselves
- poor perception of time
Children engaged in an activity may become bored due to:
- confusing instructions
- fear of making a mistake
- loss of interest
- repetition of the activity for too much time
- feeling unable to try new approaches to the
Who Is at Risk for Boredom?
Boredom is a common feeling; almost
everyone experiences it from time to time.
Adolescents frequently experience
boredom. This may be because as they are given more freedom to choose what to
do with their time, they are still learning about themselves and their
interests. Not knowing where to focus can cause boredom (Pickhardt, C.,
What Are the Symptoms of Boredom?
Boredom is marked by an empty feeling, as well as frustration
with that emptiness. People who are bored frequently have a limited attention
span and a lack of interest in goings-on around them. People who are bored can
sometimes seem apathetic and fatigued, and sometimes seem nervous and jittery.
How Is Boredom Diagnosed?
Boredom in Children
When boredom occurs frequently and interferes with your child’s ability to
function normally, consult your child’s physician for an evaluation.
Some children can’t adequately describe their feelings. Symptoms
of boredom can sometimes resemble depression. A bored child may want to be
engaged; a depressed child may avoid being engaged. A mental health
professional can work with your child to determine the exact diagnosis.
Boredom in Adults
Boredom is a normal
response to some situations. But boredom that lasts for long periods or that
occurs frequently may be a sign of depression. If boredom is interfering with
your ability to complete necessary tasks or with your quality of life, you may
want to consult with a medical or psychiatric professional.
The feeling of being “bored to tears” or boredom that includes
the following complaints may also be related to depression (Deal, 2011):
oneself as the cause of boredom
- feeling hopeless
- having a heavy feeling or feeling of sadness
- evading opportunities for stimulation
How Is Boredom Treated?
You can treat this condition in a child by
helping him or her cope with feelings of boredom when they arise. When your
child complains of boredom, encourage communication. Address the situation
without questioning the validity of your child’s feelings.
You can get the best results from your
efforts if you take time to guide your child in identifying the causes of the
condition and finding creative solutions.
- Don’t question whether your child should be
bored when he complains.
- Avoid responding to your child’s complaints
with impatience or anxiety.
- Ask open-ended
questions to stimulate your child’s creativity in finding interesting solutions.
- Be aware that your
child’s complaint of boredom may be a request to engage your attention or
participation in an activity.
- Help your child
identify an emotional issue or feeling that he or she may be identifying as
- Help your child
find an engaging activity (or find one you can participate in together).
What Is the Outlook for Boredom?
Boredom is a common problem for
children and adults. Some boredom is unavoidable. Children who learn to deal
with the condition can develop problem-solving skills for the future.
You can prevent some
cases of boredom by helping your child in the following ways:
- Keep a record of the types of circumstances
that cause your child’s boredom. Note the time of day, place, and activities
preceding the complaint, so you can avoid them or at least be prepared for the
outcome in the future.
- Work with your child to create a list of
activities to use when boredom strikes.
- Establish a special area where your child can
store activities reserved for battling boredom.
- Be prepared to take time out to work with
your child to set up an activity and establish precautions if necessary.
- Make routine tasks more interesting by timing
your child against the clock.
- Combine two repetitive tasks so that they can
be done together.
- Break larger tasks into smaller sections with
a break or reward at milestones.